Which of the following species cause the most fatal form of malaria?

Options

A. P. falciparum
B. P. malaria
C. P. vivax
D. P. ovale

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following species cause the most fatal form of malaria?", we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Options
The options provided are:
- A) Plasmodium falciparum
- B) Plasmodium malaria
- C) Plasmodium vivax
- D) Plasmodium ovale

### Step 2: Understand Malaria and its Causative Agents
Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. There are several species of Plasmodium that infect humans, and they vary in their severity and fatality.

### Step 3: Analyze Each Species
- **Plasmodium falciparum**: This species is known for causing the most severe form of malaria, often leading to complications such as cerebral malaria and severe anemia. It multiplies rapidly in the bloodstream, which can lead to a high parasite load and increased risk of fatality.

- **Plasmodium malaria**: This species is less common and not typically associated with severe disease.

- **Plasmodium vivax**: This species causes a milder form of malaria and is associated with relapsing infections but is not the most fatal.

- **Plasmodium ovale**: Similar to P. vivax, it causes a milder form of malaria and is also not the most dangerous.

### Step 4: Determine the Most Fatal Species
Based on the analysis, Plasmodium falciparum is known to be the most dangerous and fatal species of malaria due to its ability to cause severe complications and rapid multiplication in the blood.

### Step 5: Select the Correct Option
The correct answer to the question is **Option A: Plasmodium falciparum**.

### Summary of the Solution
The species that causes the most fatal form of malaria is **Plasmodium falciparum**.

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